Turkish purchase of Russian missiles nears completion

Erdogan is finding new partners outside of NATO

German daily Handelsblatt writes on Monday that Turkey’s acquisition of a Russian air defense system is about more than one deal.

“Erdogan can hardly wait. ‘As God wants, we will see the S-400 soon in our country,’ he promised to the deputies of his Justice and Development Party (AKP).”

But as the negotiations near completion, concern is growing in Washington as the NATO ally drifts towards Moscow.

Turkey had initially been negotiating with the US to purchase a Patriot system, but talks broke down after Washington rejected Ankara’s request for cooperation in production and associated technology transfer.

Erdogan responded to US apprehension: “Why should there be concern?” Every country must provide for its security.